Sanitary napkin with intergluteal strip

ABSTRACT

A sanitary napkin has a strip that extends rearwardly to reside in the intergluteal crevice. The pad fits snugly against the body without penetrating. Because the strip provides improved body contact, similar protection is achieved with a smaller pad, thus providing a discretion benefit to the wearer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a sanitary napkin having a strip ofmaterial that extends rearwardly to reside in the intergluteal crevice.This arrangement permits the pad portion of the napkin to fit moresnugly against the body thereby providing improved protection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] External sanitary protection is known to greatly depend upon theproximity of the napkin to the perineal area. A close fit allows thenapkin to collect fluid near the source of the exit from the body andminimizes fluid traveling along the body. However, despite theimportance of fit to sanitary protection, prior art napkins adhesivelysecured to the crotch of the garment rely on the relatively loose fit ofthe user's undergarments. Panties worn while menstruating are oftenolder, well-worn garments which fit poorly. New panties, unlessspecially designed to do so, rarely hold and maintain the napkin closeenough to be effective. Even specially designed undergarments are deemedby many women to be binding and uncomfortable.

[0003] In addition, reliance on adhesive systems that secure sanitarynapkins to the garment essentially demand that the securing means of thenapkin tenaciously adhere to the garment at all times. Accordingly, theymust resist moisture, sudden torques generated by movements of the bodyand frictional shearing forces exerted by the movements of the variouslayers of clothing worn by the user. Not surprisingly, the actualperformance of the napkin fails to satisfactorily meet these conditions.

[0004] One prior art solution to the fitting problem has been to usesanitary belts to independently support the napkin. Napkins with longtab ends worn with sanitary belts achieve the necessary closeness to thebody but are often uncomfortable, inconvenient to use, and cause anindiscreet appearance which women find objectionable. Moreover, beltssuspend a napkin in such a way that it is allowed to shift and twist,greatly reducing its effectiveness.

[0005] Another solution, contemplated by the prior art, is to attach theproduct ends to the skin. Several patents have been directed to devicesfor collecting body fluids that employ adhesive attachments to the skin.Zamist, U.S. Pat. No. 3,906,952, is directed to an anatomicallycontoured sanitary napkin having adhesive patches which attach to theskin of the wearer. These patches have non-disposable, die-cut grippersto receive the ends of the napkin. Levine, U.S. Pat. No. 4,072,151describes a catamenial napkin having a long, full-sized napkin withadhesive strips on its longitudinal ends for attaching to the body.Sohn, U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,919, teaches a rectal area dressing for analincontinence. This rectoperineal device has pressure-sensitive adhesiveon an elongated absorbent pad and on extending end members that adhereto the skin surfaces.

[0006] While these inventions generally provide a close fit to thewearer's body, many women are adverse to the use of body adhesive.Further these prior art uses of adhesives do not permit stretching inthe longitudinal direction to adjust to the wearer's individual sizingneeds. Such devices, moreover, are not flexible enough to allow the padto move with the body and return to its original position duringstooping, bending and twisting. This can lead to uncomfortable bindingand twisting of the napkin. Furthermore, the attachment sites of theseproducts, being susceptible to sudden torques and shearing forces, arenot always reliable in securing product placement.

[0007] The present invention relates to a sanitary napkin whose securingmeans comprises an intergluteal strip. While use of intergluteal padshas been disclosed in the prior art, their use has been for increasedabsorbency of fluids present in this area. Examples include U.S. Pat.No. 5,520,675 in the name of Knox-Sigh, U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,319 in thename of Richwine, PCT publication WO 90/04956 in the name of Muller, andU.S. Re. Pat. No. 24,385 in the name of Flanders.

[0008] The present invention relates to a sanitary napkin whose securingmeans comprises an intergluteal strip which thereby makes use of thewearer's intergluteal crevice to help secure the napkin. By using thewearer's body in this manner, the present invention reduces many of thesudden torques and shearing forces associated with the prior art.Further, it does so in a manner that does not require adhesive on thatintergluteal strip portion. In addition it permits flexibility of theintergluteal strip. Consequently, an improved fit of the sanitary napkinis obtained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention provides a sanitary napkin which achieves a dynamicbody fit. The pad of the napkin is closely fit to the user's body bymeans that comprises an intergluteal strip. When the user moves, theuser's panty may move, but the pad stays snugly against the body becauseof this attachment means.

[0010] More specifically, in accord with one aspect of the invention,there is provided a feminine hygiene pad comprising:

[0011] (a) a main pad body having an absorbent core system positionedbetween a pad cover material and a barrier layer, a rear end which inuse is located in proximity to a wearer's buttocks and an opposed frontend, a first face adapted to contact with the wearer's body and anopposing second face adapted to face toward an undergarment of thewearer, a main pad body thickness being defined as the dimension of themain pad body from the first face to the second face, said main pad bodyadapted to be worn in close proximity to the vagina of the wearer;

[0012] (b) said absorbent core system being adapted to not significantlyextend beyond the anterior portion of the perineum of the wearer in use;

[0013] (c) said pad further comprising a substantially planar tail, saidtail being relatively small thickness compared to the thickness of themain pad body, and said tail extending rearwardly from said rear end ofthe main pad body, terminating at a distal end; and,

[0014] (d) wherein said pad being configured such that said tail isadapted to be received between the buttocks of the wearer to therebyfacilitate retaining said main pad body adjacent to the wearer's vagina.

[0015] These and other features of the invention will be more fullyunderstood by reference to the following drawings

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a top view of the inventive pad.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the pad of FIG. 1.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment ofthe invention illustrating the barrier material forming the tail andflap.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a bottom view of another alternative embodiment in whicha continuous piece of material which forms the tail and flap is attachedto the barrier layer.

[0020]FIG. 5 is a front view of the inventive pad as worn by a wearer.

[0021]FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the inventionillustrating a body-adhesive area on the front flap.

[0022]FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the pad of FIG. 6.

[0023]FIG. 8 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the inventionillustrating a dual front flap arrangement having a body-adhesive areaon each front flap.

[0024]FIGS. 9A and 9B are bottom views of alternative embodiments of theinvention in which a garment adhesive area is located on the main padbody.

[0025]FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of theinvention illustrating a garment-adhesive area on the distal end of thetail for attachment to the rear of the user's panties.

[0026]FIG. 11 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of theinvention illustrating a body adhesive area on the distal end of thetail for securing the tail to the user's body.

[0027]FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate alternative embodiments of theinvention in which a stabilizer area of the tail is depicted.

[0028]FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C depict a rear view of a user's buttocks andthe intergluteal crevice therein. FIG. 13B further depicts the placementof the intergluteal tail in an embodiment of the invention wherein thetail does not contain a stabilizer area, while FIG. 13C depicts theplacement of the intergluteal tail in an embodiment in which astabilizer area is present.

[0029]FIGS. 14 and 15 depict alternative embodiments of the inventionwherein the stabilizer area has alternative shapes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] During the course of this description, like numbers will be usedto identify like elements according to different figures whichillustrate the invention.

[0031]FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 2shows a corresponding cross-sectional view. The depicted sanitary napkin1 has a central longitudinal axis 16. As depicted in these Figs., themain pad body 17 of this sanitary napkin 1 extends from point P₂ topoint P₃ on the longitudinal axis 16 and comprises an absorbent coresystem 2 positioned between a pad cover material 4 and a barrier layer6. This main pad body has a front end 18 located adjacent to point P₃and a rear end 19 located adjacent to point P₂. In the embodiment shownthe cover 4 and barrier 6 are slightly larger than the absorbent system,leaving room to heat seal along the perimeter of the pad.

[0032] In the depicted embodiment the intergluteal tail 8 is connectedto the main pad body and is placed underneath the absorbent core systemso as not to interfere with absorbency. Construction adhesives as wellas heat are exemplary means to attach the tail 8 to the main pad body.In the preferred embodiment the tail is composed of a polyester knitfabric such as that manufactured by Tomen Corporation under thedesignation AQ 7500. An alternative embodiment the tail may be composedof a nonwoven material which has been microcreped, an example of whichbeing the microcreped material available from Micrex corporation. Use ofsuch a microcreped material allows the material to expand in use toaccommodate the user's body. The invention is not limited to thesematerial as alternative materials, to include stretchable or absorbentmaterials, are contemplated by the inventors.

[0033] Moreover, the invention is not limited to positioning of theintergluteal tail between the cover material 4 and the barrier layer 6.An alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 has the barrier layermaterial itself extended to form both the tail and the optional frontflap 10. Alternative embodiments would be having the barrier layerextending to form only one of these appendages while the remainingappendage being an attached material. Accordingly, the materials used inthe construction of the tail and or the optional front flap could beselected to best match the desired physical characteristics (e.g.elasticity, absorbency, etc.), to minimize cost, or to simplifyconstruction.

[0034] Alternative embodiments (not shown) of the sanitary napkin wouldcomprise the presence of channeling or embossing on the cover material.Such channeling is well known in the sanitary napkin industry.

[0035]FIG. 4 shows the garment facing side of an additional alternativeembodiment of the invention in which the intergluteal tail 8 and thefront flap are one continuous piece of material that has been attachedto the barrier layer 6. Construction adhesives as well as heat areexemplary attachment means. In this embodiment construction of the padis simplified while not limiting the barrier layer to be of the samematerial as both appendages.

[0036] As depicted in FIG. 2 the optional front flap 10, located at thefront end 18 of the main pad body 17, comprises positioning adhesive 12and release paper 14 on the garment-facing side. In the preferredembodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front flap is sandwichedbetween the cover 4 and barrier 6, and is attached using constructionadhesive as well as heat. In this preferred embodiment it is envisionedthat this front flap is constructed of a stretchable material to aid inboth comfort and fit of the pad.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 5 the intergluteal tail extends rearwardlyinto the area of space between the buttocks of the wearer. The placementof the intergluteal tail in this position thus provides an additionalanchoring means for the pad. An important feature of the presentinvention is that in use, the absorbent core system 2 of the pad doesnot extend significantly beyond the anterior portion of the user'sperineum. As is well known, the perineum of a user is defined to be thatarea that extends between the anus and the posterior part of theexternal genitalia. Consequently, in normal use the absorbent coresystem of the pad does not rearwardly extend significantly beyond theuser's anus, and accordingly extends minimally, if at all, into theintergluteal crevice of the user. Preferably, when the pad is worn, theabsorbent core system extends less than 25 mm beyond the anteriorportion of the user's perineum; and most preferably does not extendbeyond the anterior portion of the user's perineum.

[0038] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the sanitarypad of the present invention provides dynamic fit by anchoring the frontend of the pad to the body through the use of just one attachment pointto the panty. The pad is draped closely to the body through the use ofthe intergluteal tail. Once in place, the pad moves with the body, notwith the panty. Hence, dynamic fit is achieved. Because of this optimalfit, the user can achieve the same protection in a smaller, morediscreet pad.

[0039] Alternative embodiments utilize a body adhesive to secure thefront end of the pad without the necessity of attaching it to the user'spanty. One such embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 and wherein thefront flap 10 is of sufficient length such that when worn, the bodyadhesive area 20 of the flap extends above and hence is not in contactwith the pubic hair area of the user. As depicted in FIG. 7 thisadhesive area is covered by release paper 22 prior to its use. Analternative embodiment of this aspect of the invention is depicted inFIG. 8 in which two front flaps are utilized to form the pad into a “Y”shape. Consequently when worn, the ends of the flaps extend both up andaway from the user's crotch area to avoid contact of the body adhesivewith pubic hair area.

[0040]FIG. 9A depicts yet another alternative pad in which the body ofthe pad is secured to the user's undergarment by use of a positionadhesive area 30 on the barrier layer and hence on the garment facingside of the pad. Consequently, the front flap is not required.

[0041] An alternative use of garment adhesive is shown in FIG. 9B. Thisfigure depicts a smaller position adhesive area 30 that is located nearthe tail. This adhesive area is used chiefly to help properly positionthe pad in the wearer's undergarment just prior to use. Once theundergarment is pulled up into a wearing position and the tail 8 isplaced in the intergluteal crevice; it is contemplated that thisadhesive area would no longer secure the pad to the user's undergarment.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the tail lacks any presence ofadhesive on its distal end. As illustrated in FIG. 5 the interglutealtail is placed by the wearer in her intergluteal crevice. Thispositioning of the tail into this area is sufficient to secure the tailend of the pad. Alternative embodiments are contemplated in which theintergluteal tail is of sufficient length to employ an adhesive on itsdistal end. As depicted in FIG. 10 this adhesive area 40 may bepositioned on the garment facing side for attachment to the user'sundergarment. Alternatively a body adhesive area 50 on the body facingside could be employed for securing the distal end of the tail asdepicted in FIG. 11. A napkin containing such adhesive areas wouldpreferably utilize an adhesive release paper to facilitate packaging andhandling of the napkin prior to its use.

[0043] In the following discussion length measures correspond todistances along the central longitudinal axis 16 of the pad as depictedin FIG. 1. Width measures relate to distances along a correspondinghorizontal axis perpendicular to this longitudinal axis. Accordingly,the length of the intergluteal tail 8 is the distance from point P₁ topoint P₂ along longitudinal axis 16. Similarly, the main body of the padextends in length from point P₂ to point P₃ along this axis. Andfinally, the length of the front flap is the measure from point P₃ topoint P₄.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment the front flap has a rounded shapethat flows from the contours of the main pad body as depicted in FIG. 1.Its width varies along the length of the flap. The widest portion isadjacent to the main pad body and the narrowest portion is at the distalend, ending in a rounded point. The widest portion has a width of 7 cm,but can vary with the width of the main pad body, from 7 to 10 cm. Thelength of the flap extends 4 cm beyond the end of the main pad body. Thelength of the flap can range from 3 to 7 cm.

[0045] The tail extends 15 cm from the rear end 19 of the main pad body.A range in length from 10 to 30 cm would be acceptable. Preferably, thetail's length ranges from 12 to 18 cm. The width of the tail can varyfrom 0.5 to 2.5 cm. Preferably, the tail has a width of 1.5 to 2 cm. Thethickness of the tail is preferable less than 1 cm and most preferablyless than 5 mm. This thickness range is an important feature of thepresent invention as it relates to the user's comfort. The distal end ofthe intergluteal tail can have adhesive in a range of patterns,including full coverage of the tail contour, strips, dots, or other.

[0046] In the preferred embodiment the main body of the pad is adaptedto be worn outside of and in close proximity to the vagina of a wearer.Accordingly, in this embodiment the main pad body is substantiallyplanar on its body facing side. Additional embodiments, while alsosubstantially planar, have some taper in a front to back direction, orin a side to side direction, or both. However, the invention is notlimited to being worn outside of the vagina. Additional alternativeembodiments are contemplated in which the main pad body comprises araised area for insertion into the vagina. Such an interlabial featureyields several advantages to include aiding in proper positioning of thepad and/or permitting a concentration of absorbent materials at thefluid discharge location.

[0047] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, theabsorbent core system is of sufficient length to only cover the lengthof the user's labia, that is, it is in the range 8.0 to 13.1 cm inlength. The length of the main pad body is preferably greater than thelength of the absorbent core system 2, so that a perimeter of barrierlayer 6 and cover material 4 surrounds the absorbent core. The width ofthe perimeter can range from 0.5 to 2 cm. This means the length of themain pad body can range from 9.0 to 17.1 cm. Most preferably, the widthof the perimeter is 1 cm. With a most preferred length of absorbent bodyof 11.5 cm, this means that the most preferable length of the main padbody is 13.5 cm.

[0048] The width of the main pad body most preferably varies along thelength, becoming narrower at the rear end 19 of the main pad body. Itcould be relatively constant in width as well. In the preferredembodiment with a variable width, the maximum width occurs near thefront end 18. The width there is in the range 8 cm to 10 cm. In thepreferred embodiment, the main pad body is most narrow, at the rear end19 near the tail to thereby provide a more comfortable fit. Accordingly,this width is preferably between 0.5 and 4 cm. Most preferably, thiswidth is 2 cm. Further, in the preferred embodiment the narrowest partof the main pad body should approximately equal the width of theintergluteal tail 8, which can vary from 0.5 to 2.5 cm.

[0049] In accordance with alternative embodiments the present inventionrelates to full size napkins wherein the main pad body has a length of200 cm to 250 cm and overnight napkins whose main pad body has a lengthof 250 cm to 350 cm. In addition, alternative embodiments arecontemplated in which the napkin has one or more wings extending fromeach lateral side of the main pad body, these wings to be used tofurther secure the napkin to the user's undergarments. Such wings arewell known in the sanitary napkin industry.

[0050] Additional embodiments of invention relate to a widened distalend of the tail thereby forming a stabilizer area 60 of the tail. FIGS.12A and 12B depict alternative embodiments of this invention in whichthe width (w and w′, respectively) of the stabilizer area 60 is greaterthan the width of the intergluteal tail 8. This arrangement helpsstabilize the tail by providing a larger attachment area thatdistributes the forces acting upon the tail by spreading them laterally.As illustrated in these figures, both the width of the stabilizerportion, and the angle of stabilization, β, combine to determine thesurface area of the stabilizer area 60.

[0051] This stabilizing area may contain an area of adhesive 64. In thepreferred embodiment this adhesive would be covered by a release paper(not shown) prior to use. In FIG. 12 panty adhesive is depicted on thegarment facing side of the tail. In the preferred embodiment bodyadhesive, for directly attaching the tail to the user's body, would beutilized. Moreover, while FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate the adhesive areaessentially taking the same shape as the stabilizing area, this is notrequired. Any number of adhesive pattern area shapes, including but notlimited to, square, rectangular, circular, or even linear arecontemplated by the invention.

[0052]FIGS. 13A, B and C each depict a rear view of a user's buttocks.FIG. 13A illustrates the user's intergluteal crevice 65. FIG. 13Bdepicts an intergluteal tail 8, which lacks a stabilizing area,positioned in the intergluteal crevice 65. FIG. 13C illustrates a userwearing an intergluteal tail 8 having a stabilizing area 60. Such astabilizing area not only stabilizes the forces acting upon the tail,but also helps prevent the tail from residing too far in theintergluteal crevice, a situation which users may find uncomfortable.

[0053]FIG. 13C further illustrates how the width of the stabilizer area,W, and the angle of stabilization, β, combine to effect the surface areaof the stabilizer area. The lower limits of these parameters areinfluenced by the stability of the material used. The upper limits ofthese parameters are influenced by discretion since, as illustrated inFIG. 13C, the stabilizer area resides outside of the interglutealcrevice when the tail is in position. In the preferred embodiment theangle of stabilization, β, can range from 5° to 80°. While for a 20 mmwide tail, the preferred range of w is from 30 to 120 mm.

[0054]FIG. 14 depicts an alternative embodiment of the stabilizer area60. In this embodiment, the height, h, preferentially ranges from 6 mmto 40 mm and for a 20 mm wide tail, the width, w, preferentially rangesfrom 30 to 120 mm. FIG. 15 depicts yet another alternative embodiment ofthe shape of the stabilizer area 60. The invention is not limited tothese illustrated shapes as any non-insignificant widening of the distalend of the intergluteal tail 8 will perform as a stabilization area andhelp prevent the tail from residing too far in the intergluteal crevice.

[0055] Further, in situations in which an adhesive is desired at thedistal end of the intergluteal tail, this stabilizing area provides anincreased surface area upon which such adhesive can be placed. Finally,the stabilization area provides a convenient tab to aid the wearer inthe placement of the tail at time of use.

[0056] The above discussion of the stabilization area relates primarilyto that area being a widening of the tail material at the distal end ofthe tail. The invention is not limited in this regard as it iscontemplated that a separate stabilizing strip of material can beattached to the distal end of the intergluteal tail to thereby form thestabilization area. In the preferred embodiment this stabilizing stripwould be readily stretchable. Non-limiting examples of suitablematerials include: LYCRA XA Q-3, a laminate of two layers of low basisweight spunbond PP sandwiching lycra strands, which is manufactured bythe DuPont Corporation; AQ 3005, a polyester/polyurethane knit laminate,and AQ 7500, a polyester knit fabric, both commercially available fromthe Tomen Corporation; FABRIFLEX 102, a laminate of PP nonwoven and ahigh stretch elastic film, manufactured by Tredagar Corporation; and acotton/rayon bandage material, with the yarns mechanically twisted toprovide stretch available from Conco under the trade designation ARTICLE207.

[0057] An additional alternative embodiment of the invention is that thetail comprise a gentle body adhesive along at least part of its length.Use of such an adhesive helps to secure the tail (and thereby the pad)in place. In addition, the use of such an adhesive helps to form animpervious gasket thereby minimizing any potential leakage fromoccurring towards the posterior of the wearer. Examples of suchadhesives include, but are not limited to, hydrogel adhesives, TPE/Oilgel adhesives, and polyethelyene glycol/polyacrylate adhesives.

[0058] While the invention has been described with reference to theabove alternative embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by thoseof ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made tothe structure and function of the individual parts of the system withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as a whole.

We claim:
 1. A feminine hygiene pad comprising: (a) a main pad bodyhaving an absorbent core system positioned between a pad cover materialand a barrier layer, a rear end which in use is located in proximity toa wearer's buttocks and an opposed front end, a first face adapted tocontact with the wearer's body and an opposing second face adapted toface toward an undergarment of the wearer, a main pad body thicknessbeing defined as the dimension of the main pad body from the first faceto the second face, said main pad body adapted to be worn in closeproximity to the vagina of the wearer; (b) said absorbent core systembeing adapted to not significantly extend beyond the anterior portion ofthe perineum of the wearer in use; (c) said pad further comprising asubstantially planar tail, said tail being relatively small in thicknesscompared to the thickness of the main pad body, and said tail extendingrearwardly from said rear end of the main pad body, terminating at adistal end; and, (d) wherein said pad being configured such that saidtail is adapted to be received between the buttocks of the wearer tothereby facilitate retaining said main pad body adjacent to the wearer'svagina.
 2. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said main pad body isadapted to be worn outside of the vagina of the wearer.
 3. A pad asrecited in claim 1, wherein said main pad body, when worn, at leastpartially resides between the labia of the wearer.
 4. A pad as recitedin claim 1, wherein said tail is substantially free of rugosities.
 5. Apad as recited in claim 1, wherein said main pad body is between 8 and13.1 cm in length.
 6. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail isless than 1 cm in thickness.
 7. A pad as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid tail is between 0.5 cm and 2.5 cm in width.
 8. A pad as recited inclaim 1, wherein said tail is between 10 and 30 cm in length.
 9. A padas recited in claim 1, wherein said opposing second face comprises anarea of adhesive to aid in retaining said main pad body adjacent to thewearer's vagina.
 10. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said padfurther comprises a front flap, extending forwardly from the front endof the main pad body and terminating at a distal end, said flap adaptedto aid in retaining said main pad body adjacent to the wearer's vagina.11. A pad as recited in claim 10, wherein said front flap isstretchable.
 12. A pad as recited in claim 10, wherein said distal endof said front flap contains an area of adhesive adapted for attachingsaid distal end to said undergarment of the wearer.
 13. A pad as recitedin claim 10, wherein said front flap contains an area of body adhesiveadapted for attaching said distal end to the wearer's body.
 14. A pad asrecited in claim 13, comprising an additional front flap extendingforwardly from the main pad body and containing an area of body adhesiveadapted for attaching to the wearer's body, wherein said front flap andsaid additional front flap are attached to the main pad body in a“Y-shaped” configuration.
 15. A pad as recited in claim 13, wherein saidopposing second face comprises an area of adhesive for use inpositioning the main pad body in the wearer's underwear.
 16. A pad asrecited in claim 10, wherein both said front flap and said tail areconnected to the main pad body in a position between the absorbent coresystem and the barrier layer.
 17. A pad as recited in claim 10, whereinthe front flap, the tail or both the front flap and tail are formed byextending the barrier layer.
 18. A pad as recited in claim 10, whereinboth said front flap and said tail are formed from one continuous pieceof material that has been attached to said second face of the main padbody.
 19. A pad as recited in claim 2, wherein said main pad body issubstantially planar.
 20. A pad as recited in claim 19, wherein saidmain pad body has a central region that is substantially planar whichtapers towards its edges.
 21. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein saidtail is flexible.
 22. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail isstretchable.
 23. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tailcomprises an absorbent material.
 24. A pad as recited in claim 1,wherein said tail is nonabsorbent.
 25. A pad as recited in claim 1,wherein said tail is adjustable in length.
 26. A pad as recited in claim1, wherein said tail comprises an area of adhesive at its distal end,said adhesive adapted to secure said tail to the wearer's undergarment.27. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tail comprises an area ofadhesive at its distal end, said adhesive adapted to secure said tail tothe wearer's body.
 28. A pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said tailcomprises a region of body adhesive along its length.